Legislature(2015 - 2016)BUTROVICH 205
01/27/2016 01:30 PM Senate HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB98 | |
| HB8 | |
| HB76 | |
| SB145 | |
| SB147 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| = | SB 145 | ||
| += | SB 147 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 8 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 98 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 76 | TELECONFERENCED | |
SB 98-PRESCRIPTION WITHOUT PHYS. EXAM
1:32:47 PM
CHAIR STEDMAN announced that the first business would be SB 198.
He noted the bill was previously heard on April 13, 2015. After
a presentation by the bill's sponsor, an amendment by a
committee member will be offered.
1:33:27 PM
SENATOR PETER MICCICHE, Alaska State Legislature, sponsor of SB
98, summarized that SB 98 is about improving the efficiency of
medical services delivered in Alaska. It is primarily focused on
Medicaid efficiency, but also allows for the expansion of
telemedicine. Many companies include the option of telemedicine,
but, currently, there are restrictions regarding it.
SENATOR GIESSEL moved to adopt Amendment 1:
A M E N D M E N T 1
Page 1, line 2, following "examination":
Insert "by a physician; relating to the delivery
of services by a licensed professional counselor,
marriage and family therapist, psychologist,
psychologist assistant, and social worker by audio,
video, or data communications"
Page 1, following line 3:
Insert new bill sections to read:
"* Section 1. AS 08.29.400 is amended by adding a
new subsection to read:
(b) The board may not impose disciplinary
sanctions on a licensee for the evaluation, diagnosis,
or treatment of a person through audio, video, or data
communications when physically separated from the
person if
(1) the licensee or another licensed health
care provider is available to provide follow-up care;
and
(2) the licensee requests that the person
consent to sending a copy of all records of the
encounter to a primary care provider if the licensee
is not the person's primary care provider and, if the
person consents, the licensee sends the records to the
person's primary care provider.
* Sec. 2. AS 08.63.210 is amended by adding new
subsections to read:
(c) The board may not impose disciplinary
sanctions on a licensee for the evaluation, diagnosis,
supervision, or treatment of a person through audio,
video, or data communications when physically
separated from the person if
(1) the licensee or another licensed health
care provider is available to provide follow-up care;
(2) the licensee requests that the person
consent to sending a copy of all records of the
encounter to a primary care provider if the licensee
is not the person's primary care provider and, if the
person consents, the licensee sends the records to the
person's primary care provider; and
(3) the licensee meets the requirements
established by the board in regulation.
(d) The board shall adopt regulations restricting
evaluation, diagnosis, supervision, and treatment
authorized under (c) of this section by establishing
standards for training, confidentiality, supervision,
practice, and related issues."
Page 1, line 4:
Delete "Section 1"
Insert "Sec. 3"
Renumber the following bill sections accordingly.
Page 2, following line 16:
Insert new bill sections to read:
"* Sec. 5. AS 08.86.204 is amended by adding a new
subsection to read:
(c) The board may not impose disciplinary
sanctions on a licensee for the evaluation, diagnosis,
or treatment of a person through audio, video, or data
communications when physically separated from the
person if
(1) the licensee or another licensed health
care provider is available to provide follow-up care;
and
(2) the licensee requests that the person
consent to sending a copy of all records of the
encounter to a primary care provider if the licensee
is not the person's primary care provider and, if the
person consents, the licensee sends the records to the
person's primary care provider.
* Sec. 6. AS 08.95.050 is amended by adding a new
subsection to read:
(b) The board may not impose disciplinary sanctions on
a licensee for the evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment
of a person through audio, video, or data
communications when physically separated from the
person if
(1) the licensee or another licensed health
care provider is available to provide follow-up care;
and
(2) the licensee requests that the person
consent to sending a copy of all records of the
encounter to a primary care provider if the licensee
is not the person's primary care provider and, if the
person consents, the licensee sends the records to the
person's primary care provider."
CHAIR STEDMAN objected for discussion.
1:34:23 PM
SENATOR GIESSEL explained that Amendment 1 adds four groups of
behavioral health care providers to the option of telehealth,
providing services in various ways. She said the amendment adds
professional counselors, marital and family therapists,
psychologists and psychologic associates, and social workers.
The statue change would authorize the option for the related
regulatory boards to allow telehealth services by these four
provider groups. She stated that they are not mandated to do so.
She stressed the need for expanded behavioral health services in
the state, which can be effectively delivered by telehealth,
especially in rural areas where there are limited providers.
CHAIR STEDMAN asked Senator Micciche for his opinion of
Amendment 1.
1:36:43 PM
SENATOR MICCICHE stated that SB 98 is a good bill and Amendment
1 makes it a better bill. He noted that the absence of travel to
obtain medical treatment provides the greatest efficiency. He
said the involvement of the boards and the addition of specific
skill sets provided by the amendment make SB 98 a better bill.
He concluded that he is very much in support of the amendment
and appreciates Senator Giessel's efforts.
1:37:14 PM
KEN MCCARTY, Executive Director, Discovery Cove Counseling,
testified in support of SB 98. He said his business would use
telemedicine for psychotherapy. He said the amendment would be a
big asset to his business.
CHAIR STEDMAN withdrew his objection and Amendment 1 was
adopted.
CHAIR STEDMAN said the amendment will be rewritten in bill
format and brought back to the committee. He held HB 98 in
committee.